Senior Biomedical Scientist: Molecular R&D
Listing reference: sanbs_001913
Listing status: Closed
Apply by: 19 November 2023
Position summary
Industry: Medical Technology
Job category: Bio Technology
Location: Kwazulu Natal
Contract: Permanent
Business Unit: Medical
Remuneration: R 1,097,735.00
EE position: No
Introduction
Provide leadership in the Molecular Research and Development (R&D) field across all SLS departments (IMH, TI, G) to enable it to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence. The key focus areas include:
1. Provide scientific and technical expertise and leadership to the SME’s and to the Specialised Laboratory Services (SLS) departments in molecular diagnostics and research.
2. In the molecular hub; co-ordinate, execute and complete the evaluations /validations of new reagents, kits, methods, equipment and instruments for the various sections nationally.
3. Oversee and direct laboratory-based research development including national and international networking and internal laboratory-based research development.
4. Manage sub-ordinates with regards to research output, technical standards, quality, safety and operations and provide input into strategy, business plan and budget collaboratively with
relevant SMEs for areas under management.
Job description
KPA 1: Strategic Planning, Development And Management Of The Department Business Plan
1.1 Participate in the design, development and implementation of systems that will ensure the building a centre of excellence in the SLS Molecular Hub across the scope of TI, G and IMH.
1.2 Collaborate with relevant intra-departmental stakeholders, to develop long term strategic plans for the division, aligned with the SANBS vision and mission.
1.3 Develop and execute, in consultation with LC: Pathology and the other managers an approved departmental business plan and supporting budget and ensure deadlines are met.
1.4 Monitor budget and expenses for direct reports and specified projects and ensure targets are met.
1.5 Propose potential projects and initiatives in support of the departmental and divisional strategy, obtain approval, implement and monitor the effectiveness thereof. 1.6 Conduct feasibility studies and monitor trends and make recommendations for continuous business improvements and sustainability.
1.7 Ensure that business continuity plans are in place across SLS wrt specialized / molecular equipment.
1.8 Draft, obtain approval, implement and provide input into policies, procedures and strategies (as required) to accomplish the Purpose, Vision and Mission of SANBS and external stakeholder.
KPA 2: Accomplish Financial Objectives for Molecular Research And Development And The Laboratory Services Unit
2.1 Prepare an annual budget (OPEX and CAPEX) based on the approved business plan for Molecular Research and Development and submit to the LC pathology for approval.
2.2 Assist and collaborate with SLS Managers in defining CAPEX and R&D budget needs to ensure adequate cross-functual capacity.
2.3 Manage the budget and reporting thereof for Molecular Research and Development unit. This includes monitoring the usage, costs and wastage of reagents, kits and consumables.
2.4 Approve expenditure as per defined limits or submit motivation for approval for out-of-budget expenditure.
2.5 Authorize and monitor supplementary travel and overtime claims. Ensure costs are maintained according to budget and SANBS HR policy criteria. Justify non-compliance to the Lead Consultant Pathology when identified.
KPA 3: Management Of Staff To Ensure Good Relations, Teamwork, Employee Commitment And A Professional Service Delivery To Accomplish Operational Objectives At A National Level
3.1 Conduct performance management and monitor performance in an on-going basis through one on one meetings, mentoring, coaching, and reviews and take appropriate steps to correct problems.
3.2 Track & encourage individual development by identifying learning and development needs & facilitate attendance of relevant programmes.
3.3 Deal with grievances, conflict and disciplinary issues and take appropriate actions in accordance with SANBS Policy.
3.4 Ensure regular two-way communication with staff matters such as strategy, values, team building, SOPs, policy changes, etc. to ensure understanding.
3.5 Monitor and track staff time-keeping, absenteeism trends, overtime worked and leave to ensure adherence to HR policy for cost-effective running of the department.
3.6 Recruitment and selection of suitable candidates according to manpower plan recruitment and selection procedures and EE targets.
3.7 Attend meetings and training sessions as required, to remain informed of current field-related developments and promote knowledge sharing.
3.8 Monitor and control staff time-keeping records and manage overtime so as to ensure adequate personnel for cost-effective running of the department.wherever possible develop successors within own team
KPA 4 Provide Specialised Technical Expertise And Consultation Services To Internal And External Customers/Stakeholders Nationally And Internationally
4.1 Resolution of complex problems, troubleshooting of assays, instruments, human or technical errors.
4.2 Provides consultation service to internal and external stakeholders when required within reasonable time.
4.3 Provides comprehensive training to internal (and external staff where needed) prior to implementation of new techniques and/protocols and mentor internal staff.
4.4 Keep abreast with current trends in technology nationally and internationally by attending conferences/workshops/training sessions, performing literature searches and reviewing published articles in the relevant journals to ensure a high level of expertise at SANBS is maintained in all relevant fields in SLS.
4.5 Provide specialist input to journal club meetings and the on-going development of staff in the field of molecular biology by presenting lectures to internal and external stakeholders and providing feedback from workshops, congresses, seminars.
4.6 Liaise with the Medical department when required to discuss Quality, SHE, Research matters, and/or other relevant matters.
4.7 Liaise and network with Translational Research and other funding bodies to source funding for research in SLS.
4.8 Initiate research and development objectives for the department in conjunction with the SLS SME’s, and relevant Managers (IMH, TI/G)
4.9 Publish at least one scientific paper or perform present at a congress/workshop both nationally and internationally on an annual basis.
4.10 Ensure SME’s are maintaining a research agenda and output KPA 5 Project Management (Initiate, Perform, Manage And Report On Projects)
KPI 5: Project Management (Initiate, Perform, Manage And Report On Projects)
5.1 Provide guidance to the department in the development of research projects, evaluations and validations using extensive knowledge base in the field of Molecular Biology and Project Management.
5.2 Evaluate and determine which projects to take forward to ensure all SLS areas are involved.
5.3 Determine the feasibility of relevant projects by identifying resources in conjunction with the budget allocation and with input from the Lead Consultant Pathology and the managers (IMH, TI/G).
5.4 Develop project plans for all approved operational and strategic projects in SLS in conjunction with the Lead Consultant Pathology, SLS managers and SME’s.
5.5 Manage allocated projects by executing, monitoring and controlling the projects against the set targets to ensure completion by the agreed deadlines.
5.6 Conclude projects, collate all necessary documents, and prepare the final Evaluation/Validation reports and distribute to all relevant stakeholders for review and comments before loading onto the Document Management System (SAP).
5.7 Evaluate the outcomes of the project with the SME’s, and the relevant SLS Managers and determine the value add of each project.
5.8 Complete a cost analysis to determine the feasibility of implementation.
5.9 Proactively evaluate trends within the department with regard to quality and error management.
5.10 Ensures efficient management of inventory of reagents, test kits and laboratory consumables.
5.11 Develop standard operating procedures (SOP’S) for all new processes or review SOP’s with SME’s. Where required complete training of staff to competency to new procedures and ensure smooth implementation of new methods/kits/reagents.
KPA 6: Manage SHEQ Systems To Ensure Compliance
6.1 Ensure that relevant Quality and Safety, Health and Environmental processes, policies and procedures are implemented and maintained in Molecular R&D and ensure that regulations are adhered to in accordance with Quality standards and relevant national legislation.
6.2 Monitor staff to ensure compliance with internal and external quality proficiency programmes as well as the outcomes to ensure appropriate action is taken according to SANBS policy.
6.3 Oversee resolution of non-conformance reports generated in Molecular R&D and ensure that the non-conformances are closed timeously.
6.4 Monitor and implement the maintenance and calibration program for Molecular Research/Development, Evaluations & Projects and the LSU department.
Minimum requirements
Education
HPCSA Registered Medical Technologist (Blood Transfusion/Clinical Pathology/Immunology/Genetics or related) or,
HPCSA registered Medical Biological/Laboratory Scientist.
PhD in a relevant field is preferable, or a relevant Masters qualification with a research development plan to attain a PhD
Experience and knowledge requirements
5 years’ experience in a relevant scientific field with a strong molecular/genetics/genomics background.
Strong research certification and publication experience
Developing scientific abstracts, manuscripts and publishing those
Supervisory/managerial experience.
Other (knowledge and skills), e.g. under-standing of relevant legislation; knowledge of relevant company procedures
Relevant accreditation standards and processes
HPCSA regulations.
Operational financial Management skills
SAP and LIMS systems.
Research training in GCP/GLP Project Management
